Volkswagen is backing a new electric conversion kit for the groundbreaking Type 1 Beetle. The e-Beetle, which will be shown at the Frankfurt motor show, has been developed in collaboration with respected Renningen-based firm eClassics and uses the electric motor, single-speed gearbox and battery system from the Volkswagen e-Up.

There are 14 battery modules built into the Beetle's underbody, with an overall capacity of 36.8kWh for the pack and a claimed range of 200km. CCS rapid charging enables a charge worth 150km or more in around an hour. The output from the motor, meanwhile, is 82hp and 210Nm of torque.

Weighing just 1,280kg – an increase of around 400kg over the original petrol flat-four-powered Beetle – the e-Beetle can accelerate from 0-50kph in just over four seconds, reaching 80kph another four seconds later.

Volkswagen Group Components boss Thomas Schmall said, "The electrified Beetle combines the charm of our classic car with the mobility of the future. Innovative e-components are under the bonnet; we work with them to electrify historically important vehicles, in what is an emotional process."

While official Volkswagen parts make up the e-Beetle, the conversion is carried out by eClassics.

Schmall added that Volkswagen Group Components is considering an electrified Type 2 and Porsche 356, as well as transferring classics to Volkswagen's dedicated new MEB platform to achieve greater performance and range.

There is growing interest in electrifying classic cars, with several companies now operating on a car-by-car basis, often using Tesla parts. Larger-scale examples include the Chesil E Speedster, the Zero Labs Bronco, the Charge Mustang, the Swind E Classic Mini and the Renault e-Plein Air.

Toyota has begun the gradual build-up to the unveiling of its next-generation Yaris for the international market, due to be shown in 2020, by revealing the new platform that will underpin it.

The architecture, dubbed GA-B, is a development of the TNGA platform that underpins the bulk of Toyota’s European range, from the Prius and Corolla to the Camry and RAV4. The Japanese firm claims its focus is to “elevate the design and driving performance of small cars”.

Most significantly, the GA-B platform allows for variable wheelbase lengths, widths and heights, suggesting that Toyota will eventually expand its small car line-up with different body styles, beyond the Yaris. Designers are said to have “the freedom to give each new model a distinctive and individual look” with the platform.

Toyota claims advanced structural build techniques give the GA-B a “highly rigid underbody”. It can accommodate different suspension layouts, including either torsion beam or multi-link suspension, hinting that more expensive models using the platform will benefit from a more advanced setup.

A further focus was on lowering the car’s centre of gravity, mounting the driver’s seat low and back towards the centre for a “more engaging driving position”, with a steering wheel that can be set close to the driver.

There's also said to be more scope to create vehicles that have a low height and wide stance. That fits in with recent prototype testing shots of the new Yaris, which sports a wider and significantly lower body than the current model.

Nothing is official yet, but it’s expected that Toyota will look to expand into the B-segment crossover market after the Yaris arrives, with a model sitting below the C-HR. What will follow this is not known for now.

In the Indian market, Toyota launched an update for the Yaris sedan with prices starting at Rs 8.65 lakh for the base J (Optional) MT trim and going up all the way to Rs 14.07 lakh for the top-end VX CVT variant (All prices, ex-showroom, pan-India).

Hyundai has revealed a new all-electric concept, the 45, at the 2019 Frankfurt motor show. The 45 name marks the number of years since the brand’s first production car was previewed by the 1974 Hyundai Pony Coupé concept designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro. The model takes design inspiration from that car, too, with clean lines said to be inspired by 1920s aircraft. The name also reflects in the 45deg angles of the front and rear window lines. Hyundai design chief Sangyup Lee said that “the typology is taken from the 1974 concept – it’s simple, and pure.” The 45 is tipped to preview the future shape of an all-electric car which is likely to go into production in the coming years.

The decision to drawing on the work of 45 years ago draws from the fact that Hyundai considers the production version of this concept to be the first of a new era of dedicated electric vehicles from the company. “The 45 signifies a new beginning, so we looked at the beginning of our company,” said interior design chief Hak Soo Ha. Hyundai feels that it will now be competing “on a level playing field” and because the major manufacturers have very little EV heritage, he added, “We’ve been followers. Now we want to be leaders.”

The 45’s crisp modernisation of Giugiaro’s design will be part of a suite of Hyundai design styles, with the brand planning to develop more distinctive designs for each of its models. It will also visually differentiate its electric cars from its combustion-engine models. “Looking forwards and backwards helps us diversify our portfolio,” said Lee. “This will be the language for just one electric car. The next EV will be completely different.”

The 1974 concept’s original front-end shape has been reinterpreted in what Hyundai calls a “kinetic cube lamp” design – essentially a panel of LEDs that acts as the headlight, and also produces a theatrical light display on start-up. The same effect is created at the rear. Hyundai employs LEDs for the 45’s badging as well. Meanwhile, a charge indicator at the bottom of the doors allows the driver to quickly see how far they can drive before getting in.

The high waistline contrasts with what looks like an all-glass roof-and-pillar combination, with blacked-out structural elements and two panoramic glass roof panels with retro, slatted sun blinds in the cabin. Technology developments showcased on the 45 include a camera monitoring system, which is said to leave room for “self-driving system applications.” As is now common on concepts, cameras replace the side mirrors and are kept clean by a lens that rotates past a brush.

The interior is even more minimalist than the exterior and dispenses with a centre console. The designers have employed a mix of fabric, wood and leather inside. The dashboard is dominated by a substantial screen that combines the instruments and infotainment. Hyundai claims that the latter can be controlled via a “projection beam interface.”

The firm says that 45’s interior is a pointer towards the world of autonomous cars. Lee also states that the 45’s generous width and flat floor provide living room-like space, the battery pack that lives beneath offers potential for underfloor heating and cooling. The production-spec version will neither be fully autonomous, nor have clamshell doors, but one may expect furniture-like interior architecture and warm, inviting materials. “You won’t be disappointed,” added Lee, referring to the production version.

Interior space is maximised by the batteries being set in a skateboard-style floor, allowing Hyundai to “create a space that feels like a living room with new pieces of furniture.” There’s lounge-style seating front and rear and the driver and front passenger get one, unbroken footwell.

No powertrain details were revealed for the concept other than it being an all-electric car.

The all-electric Honda e will offer two power outputs, 136hhp and 154hp, both of which produce 315Nm of torque and go from 0-100kph in around 8sec.

The highly anticipated electric city car – first unveiled as the Urban EV concept two years ago – has finally been revealed in production form, along with more specification details, ahead of its debut at the upcoming Frankfurt motor show.

There are only two visual changes between the prototype showcased at the Geneva motor show in March and the final production car: the grille badge is not illuminated, as this feature is illegal in Europe, and the side skirt no longer says ‘Honda Design’.

The Japanese carmaker, which was initially slow to adapt, is now heavily investing in electrified models. The CR-V hybrid launched last year, but this is Honda’s first electric car for Europe and is set to become its halo model considering its advanced technology and price. By 2025, Honda intends for all of its European models sold to be electrified.

Both variants of the e EV promise a range of up to 220km from the liquid-cooled 35.5kWh battery. While this is significantly lower than that of rivals such as the Kia e-Niro and BMW i3 that deliver 454km and 310km respectively, Honda consider it to be sufficient for the city car segment.

Project manager Kohei Hitomi told us earlier this year: “Some potential customers might not be satisfied, but when you think about bigger range and a bigger battery, it has drawbacks in terms of packaging and balance.”

Honda claims that fast charging at 100kWh means an 80 percent charge in 30min, while a 50kWh charger will manage the same in 36min.

The 4-seater Honda e EV sits on a new platform designed for A and B-segment electric cars, and is slightly shorter than a Jazz and around 100mm taller than a Mini. Its gets a rear-mounted electric motor to drives the rear wheels; torque vectoring has been used to give a smoother response and improved handling in tight corners. The car rides on four-wheel independent suspension, and boasts a 50:50 weight distribution and, thanks to the placement of its batteries, a low centre of gravity.

Our sister publication, Autocar UK’s deputy editor James Attwood drove a prototype recently and wrote: “It’s in the corners where the e really scores… showcasing an agility and responsiveness.”

Lexus has confirmed that it will make a long-awaited transition into fully electric propulsion with a small EV that is set to be revealed at the 2019 Tokyo motor show in concept form.

The as-yet-unnamed concept is said to take the form of a tall, boxy and city-friendly hatchback that wears a more futuristic design than any model in the brand’s 2019 line-up. Inspiration is expected to be taken from the brand's 2015 LF-SA concept(pictured above), albeit updated with more production intent.

The interior of the new model will be characterised by next-gen infotainment technology displayed on a pair of screens positioned on either side of the steering wheel.

Although technical details and the production date for the first Lexus EV are still unknown, Sato acknowledged the need to create a product that’s competitive and compelling. The firm is investing a significant amount of money into the development of the powertrain technology it needs in order to honour its pledge of offering an electrified variant of every car it sells by 2025.

Engineers are designing a platform that will underpin future Lexus EVs and will likely be shared with Lexus’ parent company Toyota. The two brands jointly plan to launch 10 electric models by 2025. Lexus has also placed a big research focus on in-wheel electric motors, although Sato conceded it will take years to make the technology a reality.

“We expect four wheels operating independently will offer greater agility, stability and excitement,” he said. “We will continue to pursue this exciting opportunity.”

Lexus also has plans for other alternatives to the petrol engine, including plug-in hybrids and hydrogen fuel cells. Sato hailed the company’s expertise in hybrid technology as a major advantage.

“The hybrid technology is our core. Our expertise in electrical control technology and battery technology can be used for other types of alternative powertrains, even fuel cells,” he said.

However, the widespread availability of a fuel-cell-powered Lexus is strongly linked to the growth of the infrastructure.

Sato stressed Lexus can’t solve that problem alone, but he emphasised his team is “never giving up on this technology”. Sato also claimed Lexus needs an entry-level car to lure buyers moving up from non-luxury brands into showrooms. The CT – ditched in the US but still on sale in Europe – is well overdue a replacement, but the brand is said to be weighing up sales of the new UX crossover to see when or if a new version is needed.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, Sato emphasised Lexus is not currently planning a follow-up to the limited-edition, V10-powered LFA, released in 2010.

“I love it but we need your help. We need strong requests for a new LFA from the media. This can help us proceed,” Sato said.

]]>Staff Writer Staff Writer First all-electric Lexus to be an urban hatchback2461402461401Sun, 25 Aug 2019 07:00:00 +1000413894Staff Writer Autocar India staff photograherMon, 1 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +1000The luxury brand&#8217;s first EV will be unveiled in concept form in October 2019; to take inspiration from 2015 Lexus hatchback concept.The luxury brand&#8217;s first EV will be unveiled in concept form in October 2019; to take inspiration from 2015 Lexus hatchback concept.Sun, 25 Aug 2019 07:00:00 +1000https://www.autocarindia.com/car-news/first-all-electric-lexus-to-be-an-urban-hatchback-413894#utm_source=feed&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=Autocar+India+Import+hatchbacks+feed413894New Volkswagen logo to be revealed at 2019 Frankfurt motor show

Volkswagen will unveil a redesigned logo as part of the automaker's major rebranding at this year’s Frankfurt motor show, coinciding with the launch of the new VW ID 3 electric hatchback.

Called New Volkswagen, the logo has been developed to make the brand appear "significantly younger, more digital and more modern." It has been in development for more than three years and is rooted in the changes the firm made following the Dieselgate emissions scandal.

The rebranding will coincide with the launch of the ID 3, the first production vehicle based on the Volkswagen Group’s full-electric MEB platform. Although the first vehicle to go on sale bearing the new logo will be the eighth-generation Golf, which is due to launch later this year and go on sale in early 2020.

Volkswagen’s current logo has been in use since 2010. The new one was developed entirely in-house by the firm and maintains the letters V and W in a circle in a simpler, two-dimensional design. It will be presented on cars in gloss white on a black background, although this may change; future GTI models will feature a red version of the logo.

Volkswagen marketing boss Jochen Sengpiehl said that the current ‘3D’ logo had “become a bit heavy, somewhat immobile, especially in today’s digital era”. He added: “The new logo has been reduced to its essential components. It's flat, open, full of contrast and clearly perceived. The new logo is not just a logo but an icon.” Sengpiehl added that a particular focus had been placed on how the logo would appear in digital form.

The rebranding will also include a new typeface and the addition of light blue alongside white and dark blue as Volkswagen’s official brand colours.

Volkswagen’s chief operating officer, Ralf Brandstätter, said the new logo is the “logical consequence” of changes the firm has undergone in the wake of Dieselgate; including a heavy focus on electrification and reducing its CO2 emissions. Volkswagen has also simplified its product range, introduced greater regional focus and reduced the number of parts used in production.

“What began as a fundamental crisis turned out to be a catalyst for the transformation of Volkswagen,” said Brandstätter. “Now it’s time to boldly move forward. We plan to be the world market leader in electric mobility by 2025, which means selling one million EVs per year by then.”

“Volkswagen is on its way to emissions-free mobility for all. It’s our mindset, not a claim in advertising,” he added. “We want to make mobility emissions-free for everyone. It’s not going to happen overnight.”

As part of the company restructuring, Volkswagen is also rethinking how it works with dealers. It has renegotiated contracts with European dealers so as to deal with them more directly, and there will be greater use of digital platforms in the future.

The new logo will be shown in public at the Frankfurt motor show, and will simultaneously be installed at the firm’s headquarters in Wolfsburg. Over the next two years, it will be rolled out across more than 10,000 dealers in 171 markets, with the firm estimating that a total of 70,000 logos will be replaced.

]]>Staff Writer Staff Writer New Volkswagen logo to be revealed at 2019 Frankfurt motor show2461402461401Thu, 22 Aug 2019 19:16:00 +1000413874Staff Writer Autocar India staff photograherMon, 1 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +1000The new VW logo will be part of a major rebranding for the carmaker and will be unveiled alongside its all-electric ID 3 hatchback. The new VW logo will be part of a major rebranding for the carmaker and will be unveiled alongside its all-electric ID 3 hatchback. Thu, 22 Aug 2019 19:16:00 +1000https://www.autocarindia.com/car-news/new-volkswagen-logo-to-be-revealed-at-2019-frankfurt-motor-show-413874#utm_source=feed&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=Autocar+India+Import+hatchbacks+feed413874Mini celebrates 60th anniversary, rolls out 10 millionth car

As the Mini brand continues to celebrate its 60th anniversary, it has achieved a new feat as the 10 millionth Mini, produced globally since 1959, rolled off the assembly line.

The landmark car – a Mini 60 Years Anniversary Edition – was built on July 24, 2019, at the Mini Plant in Oxford, UK, and took take pride of place in a special event at Oxford.

To celebrate the brand’s 60th anniversary, Mini says it has been on the hunt for 60 owners of 60 cars, one from each year of production – with 60 personal stories from across the decades.

Mini brought together these cars at Plant Oxford for a special birthday gathering, before heading to the International Mini Meeting in Bristol, an annual festival for Mini fans globally. The cars were led by the 621 AOK – the very first Mini built – with the 10 millionth Mini bringing up the rear.

Launched in 1959 and designed by Alec Issigonis, the classic Mini revolutionised the automotive world and was produced at Oxford until 1968, before moving to Longbridge, near Birmingham, where it continued to be built until October 2000. Between 1959 and 2000, more than 5.3 million classic Minis were built.

Since the brand’s rebirth in 2001 under BMW ownership, sales around the world have gone from strength to strength. Last year, nearly 4,00,000 Minis were sold in 110 countries across the globe.

Three UK plants have a part to play in Mini’s production today – Hams Hall near Birmingham makes engines, Swindon produces the body pressings and sub-assemblies for Mini, and this all comes together at the Oxford manufacturing plant with body shell production, paint and final assembly.

Daily output at Oxford has grown from around 300 cars a day in 2001 to around 1,000 today. The 4,500-strong workforce at Oxford produces one new Mini every 67sec.

Since 2000, over £2 billion (around Rs 17,188 crore) has been invested by the BMW Group in its UK manufacturing sites and, at Oxford, this has included an extension to the plants body shop and new facilities in the paint shop and final assembly areas. In November 2019, the Mini Electric will begin production at Oxford and mark the beginning of a new era for the brand.

The Frankfurt motor show is among the largest and most anticipated events in the motoring calendar every year. This year will be no different as some of the biggest carmakers will unveil some of their most anticipated models at the show. The Frankfurt motor show will be held from September 12-22 and will see manufacturers like Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Honda, Hyundai, Ford and Lamborghini (to name a few) in attendance. We have compiled a list of some of the more noteworthy cars that will be unveiled at this year’s show.

Audi RS6

Audi S6 Avant used for representative purposes.

Audi Sport’s flagship wagon will retain its twin-turbo 4.0-litre petrol V8 as it moves into a fourth generation for 2020, with power upgraded to around 613hp to take on the Mercedes-AMG E63 S and BMW M5. Expect visual differences over the standard A6 to include the trademark chunkier wheel arches, larger air intakes and bigger wheels.

Audi RS7 Sportback

Audi S7 used for representative purposes.

The new RS7 Sportback will be the hero car for Audi Sport’s range of performance models, sharing a 608hp-plus V8 with the RS6. As with the outgoing variant, power will be sent to all four wheels by way of an 8-speed automatic gearbox, while an 80kg weight loss should bring subtle performance gains.

Audi A3

Audi will introduce the fourth generation of its popular A3 in 2020 and is expected to show off the Volkswagen Golf rival at Frankfurt. Its launch has been pushed back due to Audi’s struggles with WLTP emissions testing and a heightened focus on EV development, but the company promises the new A3 will be the most advanced car in its segment and set new standards of refinement.

Audi S8, SQ8 and Q7 facelift

We’ll also get our first in-the-metal look at the S8 performance sedan – one of only two models in Audi’s S range to retain a petrol engine – as well as the new SQ8 hot SUV and Q7 seven-seater facelift.

BMW M8 Competition

The BMW M8 Competition which in essence is a more powerful version of the already quite powerful M8 sportscar. The M8 and M8 Competition will make their public debut at this year’s Frankfurt motor show. In the competition guise, the M8 will produce 625hp and 750Nm of torque from its now-familiar twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8. It will also be capable of doing the 0-100kph sprint in 3.2sec and go on to a top speed of 305.7kph. The standard M8 produces 600hp (25hp less than the competition) and 750Nm of torque, this translates to a 0-100kph time of 3.3sec for the coupé and 3.4sec for the convertible.

BMW X6

The recently revealed third-generation X6 will make its public debut in Frankfurt. The coupé-style high rider’s looks have been brought into line with the brand’s current design language, and a refreshed range of powertrain options is headed by a 530hp, 4.4-litre petrol V8 yielding a claimed 0-100kph time of 4.3sec and a limited 250kph top speed.

BMW Vision M Next

The Vision M concept is BMW’s idea of what a comeback for the M1 supercar of 1978 might look like. Previewing a production sports car tipped to arrive before 2025, the Vision M packs a 600hp petrol-electric plug-in hybrid drivetrain that's also destined to appear in more mainstream BMW M performance models further down the line.

Ford Puma

The Ford Puma will make its public debut at the 2019 Frankfurt motor show. The new SUV will sit above the EcoSport in the brand’s international line-up and it takes design inspiration from the latest-gen Fiesta hatchback sold internationally. This makes it look more like a cross-hatch rather than a SUV. Ford will offer the SUV with a 1.5-litre diesel unit as well as a 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol unit coupled with a 48V mild-hybrid setup. Both engines get a 6-speed manual, though the petrol unit also gets a 7-speed DCT automatic gearbox option.

Honda E

The Honda E electric city car was first revealed in 95 percent production-ready prototype guise at the Geneva motor show in March, but it's finally ready to emerge in its final form before customer deliveries begin next year. Expect little to change in the way of styling and the EV hatchback to get a full-width infotainment screen in the production-spec car.

Hyundai Electric racer

Frankfurt will see the unveiling of Hyundai's first all-electric race car, which has been developed in Germany and previewed in a series of videos posted to the firm's Twitter feed. Details remain scarce, but the new model is likely to be based on the existing i30 N TCR customer racer. Last year, rival firm Cupra revealed early details of the 680hp, Seat Leon-based e-Racer, to enter an upcoming electric touring car race series that Hyundai is also expected to support.

Hyundai i10

The third-gen Euro-spec Hyundai i10 will make its public debut at this year’s Frankfurt motor show, it will maintain its compact footprint but feature notably updated exterior styling. The new i10 will share its platform with the latest Kia Picanto and offer a range of small-capacity petrol engines.

In the Indian market, the model will be dubbed the Grand i10 Nios, which will launch on August 20, 2019. The Grand i10 Nios features updated design with new projector headlamps flanking the large ‘Cascading Grille'. There are also angular LED DRLs on the edges of the grille and the window line rises sharply towards the back. In India, the Grand i10 Nios will also get the 1.2-litre BS6-compliant petrol and diesel engines.

Lamborghini Hybrid hypercar

Lamborghini is readying a replacement for its Aventador flagship due in 2020, and reports suggest it will be previewed by a low-volume, GBP 2 million hybridised hypercar being revealed at Frankfurt. Prospective buyers got a look at the new model last year but this would be the first time the car (codenamed LB48H) is shown in public. The Ferrari SF90 Stradale rival will pack a naturally aspirated V12 engine and an electric motor to boost performance and efficiency.

Land Rover Defender

Is this the one everybody’s waiting for? The revived Land Rover Defender has made a number of high-profile public appearances since it was first seen in prototype form last year, but Frankfurt will be the first time we'll see the new Defender unwrapped. We already know it will arrive in three body styles, powered by a range of diesel and petrol engines, but its official unveiling will bring an end to months of industry debate as to whether it will do justice to the original model’s design ethos.

Next-gen Mercedes-Benz GLA

Current-gen Mercedes GLA for representative purposes.

Mercedes will debut the next-genGLA compact SUV at Frankfurt this year and the GLA is expected to share design details with the new A-class hatchback. The second-generation GLA will join Mercedes' MFA platform-based range alongside the A-class hatchback, A-class sedan, CLA four-door coupé, CLA Shooting Brake estate, the recently unveiled GLB SUV and B-class MPV. The German carmaker has not yet revealed any mechanical details, although it is safe to assume a close link to the A-class in terms of interior design and technology, engines and gearboxes.

Mercedes-Benz EQV

Mercedes previewed the EQV electric people carrier with a concept at Geneva, and the production model will make its public debut at Frankfurt. Based on the conventionally powered V-class, the EQV will offer up to eight seats, a 400km range and a top speed of 160kph. Under-floor-mounted batteries allow the same interior flexibility as the V-class, which means that it can be used as either a six-seat luxury VIP shuttle or an eight-seat taxi.

Mercedes-Benz ESF 2019 concept

The ESF concept is the latest in Mercedes’ long line of experimental vehicles built as part of an ongoing investigation into ways of making self-driving vehicles safer. Based on a forthcoming petrol-electric variant of the GLE SUV, the partly autonomous car features a retractable steering wheel and pedal box, revitalising mood lamps, an automatic driver’s seatbelt pretensioner and prominent external directional indicators.

Mini Cooper SE

The Mini Cooper SE is the first series-production electric model by Mini bears a heavy resemblance to the three-door Cooper upon which it’s based, but it’s the pricing and performance figures that have made the headlines. The Cooper SE will make its public debut at Frankfurt before production in the international markets gets underway in November.

Porsche Taycan

Porsche will kick-start a £5.3 billion electrification programme with the official launch of its Taycan electric performance sedan at Frankfurt. The new Tesla Model S rival has been seen numerous times in minimal camouflage but its unveiling is significant because it marks what Porsche UK boss Marcus Eckermann called “the beginning of a new era” for the Stuttgart brand. Little is known about the interior, but the exterior styling is heavily influenced by the Mission E concept of 2015. Porsche India has announced that the Taycan EV will be launched in our market in 2020.

Renault Captur

Renault has given the second generation Captur SUV a dramatic interior revamp in line with the tech-laden new Clio hatchback. Like the Clio, exterior styling changes are mainly evolutionary, although Renault describes the new model as “muscular and more expressive” thanks to a redesigned front end and significant increase in size. Frankfurt is also expected to mark the debut of the plug-in E-Tech variant, which is due to go on sale in 2020.

Next-gen Skoda Octavia

As we had previously reported, Skoda will unveil the next-gen Octavia executive sedan at the 2019 Frankfurt motor show. The next-gen Octavia is going to be based on an updated version of VW’s MQB platform and will continue to sport a notchback design. We also expect the next-gen sedan to come with a variety of petrol and diesel engine options, with Skoda also likely to offer a 48V mild-hybrid setup.

Skoda Kamiq and Scala Monte Carlo

Skoda is not expected to reveal any all-new models at this year's Frankfurt show, but will display a new Monte Carlo trim option for the Scala hatch and Kamiq compact SUVs that celebrate the brand's rallying heritage.

As with the smaller Fabia (pictured), which has been available in Monte Carlo guise since 2011, the Kamiq and Scala receive black exterior trim elements and bespoke badging.

New Volkswagen ID concept

Alongside the production-spec ID 3, Volkswagen is expected to show a new electric car in concept form. Sales boss Jurgen Stackmann said it will give us "an idea of what’s coming next – and that’s clearly compact, because that’s what Volkswagen does." This suggests that the model could preview a previously confirmed value crossover, likely called the ID 2. Early details hint it will sit below the already-previewed Crozz SUV.

]]>Staff Writer Staff Writer 2019 Frankfurt motor show previewFor representation only.2461402461401Mon, 12 Aug 2019 07:00:00 +1000413765Staff Writer Autocar India staff photograherMon, 1 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +1000The Frankfurt motor show will be held from September 12-22 and we compiled a list of cars that will be unveiled at this year&#8217;s show.The Frankfurt motor show will be held from September 12-22 and we compiled a list of cars that will be unveiled at this year&#8217;s show.Mon, 12 Aug 2019 07:00:00 +1000https://www.autocarindia.com/car-news/2019-frankfurt-motor-show-preview-413765#utm_source=feed&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=Autocar+India+Import+hatchbacks+feed413765Audi A1 Citycarver cross-hatch unveiled

Audi has unveiled the A1 Citycarver as a more rugged, off-road-inspired version of its smallest model to rival the Ford Fiesta Active in international markets.

Based on the standard A1 Sportback, the Citycarver receives around 5cm more of ground clearance, with the addition of larger wheels and an upgraded suspension setup. However, it is positioned as a more city-focused ‘urban crossover’ than the brand’s fully-fledged Allroad models.

Adding to its robust image is a protective bodykit similar to that fitted to Audi’s range of larger Allroad models, and comprises contrasting wheel arches and side sills, with a stainless-steel skid plate enhancing the Citycarver’s off-road credibility and durability.

At the front, the Citycarver is differentiated from the standard A1 by two distinctive slots below the bonnet shut line and a matt-black honeycomb grille, while the rear bumper has been redesigned to more closely resemble Audi’s Q2 and Q3 compact SUVs.

The Citycarver can be equipped with two petrol engines taken from the A1 line-up – the 115.5hp 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged 30 TFSI engine, or the larger 150hp 1.5-litre 35 TFSI.

Nine colours are available, with buyers able to select a grey or black contrasting roof. The stainless-steel and grey exterior trim elements can be finished in black with the addition of an optional styling package.

Inside, trim accents finished in copper, mint, orange or grey mark the Citycarver out from the standard A1. A 10.1-inch touchscreen, voice control, Bang and Olufsen sound system and digital instrument cluster feature as standard, too.

To celebrate the new model’s arrival, a special edition will be available for a limited time. The A1 Citycarver Edition One is finished in grey or orange, sits atop range-topping 18-inch alloy wheels, has tinted light clusters and features black exterior trim all round.

The A1 Citycarver will be available internationally in the coming months. There is no word on when Audi India will bring the A1 Citycarver to our market, but an India launch is unlikely as the A1 hatchback is not expected here. However, the brand does have plans to bring its new flagships – the A8 sedan and the Q8 SUV – along with the next-gen Q3 and all-electric e-tron SUV here in the coming months.

The Hyundai Ioniq is a landmark vehicle of sorts; it’s the first car in the world to offer the choice of a hybrid, plug-in hybrid and full-electric powertrains – an important fact, given where the future of the automobiles lie. It’s ironic then that with India’s focus on EVs, none of these versions are expected to make it here. The obstacle is the high price tag it will carry, and so Hyundai’s first electric model in India will be the Kona SUV; the premium on EVs is easier to bundle with the premium customers pay for SUVs.

Hyundai says the Ioniq EV could make it here only if the electric market matures and something can be done to address the pricing. So, if it all works out, will the Ioniq be a good fit for India? We went to Korea and got behind the wheel of one to find out.

Split rear windscreen is distinctive but reminiscent of the Prius; looks neater though.

The Ioniq is a good-looking car, and thanks to the massive sealed-off grille area, there’s no mistaking it for anything other than an EV. The design of the lights and wheels too gives the impression of something unconventional and represents the future of mobility. However, given its landmark status, I wish the styling was more unique and individual; its overall stance and the rear with the split windscreen are a bit too reminiscent of the Toyota Prius. But that said, the Ioniq comes off as a lot less edgy and better balanced.

Dash styling is clean, large battery gauge and range indicator are tell-tale signs of the electric drivetrain.

On the inside too, there’s a good sense of balance, and although there are a few sporty touches that seem out of character – like the flat-bottomed steering wheel and aluminium pedals – it all works. Giving away its electric nature is the digital instrument panel that has a power consumption vs charging indicator, and a battery gauge flanking a large speedo, and trip display. With no gearbox, Hyundai has done away with the lever for the drive selector and instead opted for buttons for park, neutral, drive and reverse.

In terms of equipment, the Ioniq is well specced; there aren’t any ‘electric car’ compromises that we are so used to seeing. There’s electronic climate control, heated and cooled seats, a touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, electrically folding mirrors, keyless entry, auto lights and wipers and various autonomous functions like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and autonomous emergency braking.

Legroom good for tall adults, headroom a bit tight.

Space inside is pretty generous and there is good legroom, so even taller occupants will be comfortable here. Headroom at the front is good but the sloping roofline makes the headroom a bit constricting for taller passengers.

The Ioniq is powered by 120hp motor that puts out a healthy 295Nm of torque, and like every other electric motor, max torque develops right from the start; in fact, with a heavy foot, you’ll see traction control kicking in quite early to prevent wheelspin. That little bit of excitement aside, it feels like every other EV; power comes in strong and instantly, and then stays linear throughout, and so acceleration feels brisk initially and a bit sedate above 60kph. Hyundai claims a 0-100kph time of 9.9sec in Sport mode, which is pretty quick on the whole. Normal mode takes 10.2sec, which is still very respectable. There is also an Eco mode which limits performance further in favour of an extended range.

Typically electric with excellent low-down torque.

Speaking of range, the Ioniq delivers a 200km driving range, according to the US EPA rating. Charging time stands at 4hr 25min for a full charge, while fast charging can get the car to
80 percent in about 30min.

The Ioniq is set up to be an urban car. The steering doesn’t feel very connected and communicative but it is light enough for an easy commute around town with Sport mode weighting it up a bit more, should you prefer it. Braking was a pleasant surprise. While still not as natural as a conventional car’s, the bite isn’t as sudden, and the blend between the motor braking and the disc brakes is smoother than that of a few other electrics I’ve tested. You can also vary the level of engine braking via the paddles behind the steering wheel. I found the strongest setting a bit too aggressive, so the mid setting is what I used most often, and here too you can drive around using just the accelerator pedal most of the time, slowing down a fair bit solely with motor retardation. You can also hold onto the left paddle and bring the car to a full halt; it’s what Hyundai calls the ‘one-pedal driving system’. It feels strange at first but you soon get used to it; I’m, however, dying to see how it will feel in our start-stop traffic back home.

Of course, it’ll be a while before that happens because, as I mentioned, Hyundai is in no hurry to get the Ioniq here. If the market does mature and it can work out a fitting price, the Ioniq would make for a very good EV, actually a very good car. It’s comfortable and spacious, and loaded with all the creature comforts you need. Performance is quicker than some of our conventional engine sedans and the range, while not enough for a long weekend trip, will be more than adequate for most daily urban commutes. It would actually be a shame if the Ioniq won’t see the light of day in India.